Chinese, Singaporean PMs exchange congratulations on anniversary of ties

BEIJING - Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong exchanged congratulatory messages Saturday to mark the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Singapore.

Li said in his message that, over the past 25 years, mutual political trust between the two countries has increasingly deepened, and bilateral trade and investment levels have steadily risen.

Cooperation and exchanges between the two countries in areas such as finance, science and technology, education, environmental protection, human resources and governance have also constantly generated new achievements, Li said.

On the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Singapore, China is willing to closely cooperate with the new Singaporean government to further advance Sino-Singaporean ties, the Chinese premier said.

Lee said in his message that Singapore and China have established a close and mutually beneficial partnership that has kept pace with the times and has covered many areas since the two countries formally cemented their diplomatic relations in 1990.

Lee said that he looks forward to working together with Premier Li and the Chinese government to promote bilateral ties for the next brilliant 25 years.

Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli and Singaporean Deputy Prime Minister and Home Affairs Minister Teo Chee Hean also exchanged congratulatory messages Saturday on the anniversary of bilateral ties.